Newark Soccer Club kicked off the 2012 season with an entertaining opening ceremony on Friday at Sportsfield Park behind the Silliman Center in Newark. Hundreds were in attendance as kids of all ages paraded around the field in excitement, eager to get the new season of soccer underway.

Recreational teams starting at the U6 age group gathered at the ceremony to participate in a costume and dance contest. Teams marched onto the field to their personalized walk-up music, and showed off their spirit in front of a panel of judges. Each team sported their new uniforms, as well as accessories from pink ribbons to green hair spray, sunglasses to soccer ball hats. Fan favorites included the Ghostbusters, adorned in white plastic sheets, and the Sharks, who donned shark fins on the backs of their jerseys.

Some teams did dances for the judges, and others tossed candy into the stands. The judges picked their favorite teams, and the first place team was awarded a pizza party, while the runner-ups received an ice cream party.

Away from the majority of the crowd, booths off to the side offered various concessions and activities for those in attendance. The booths included a basket raffle, face painting, and soccer equipment. Other tables offered fresh cooked Mexican food, pizza, drinks, and candy.

During the contest, many of the kids played soccer with their new teams on the vast field behind the community center. For the little ones, the two bounce houses off to the side were a big hit.

The atmosphere was one of community and family fun. The event was a huge success, as the turnout was one of the largest to date for the annual ceremony. Everyone in attendance was excited for the new season, and looked forward to a great season ahead.